Skies set to light up during Fourth of July fireworks displays across the Birmingham area (map)

The best-known fireworks display in the Birmingham area will begin above Vulcan's head around 9 p.m. on July 4, but Thunder on the Mountain isn't the only public display of colorful, explosive patriotism this week.

The City of Chelsea will host the Big Kaboom Wednesday night, perfect for those who want a double dose of fireworks this week. Family-friendly entertainment, including food, free soft drinks and a magic show, starts at 8 p.m., with the fireworks set for 9 p.m.

Birmingham's fireworks display is scheduled to last about 20 minutes, and will be synchronized with music on any one of several radio stations. You can't watch the show from Vulcan Park, but you should be able to see it from anywhere you can see Vulcan.

American Village in Montevallo has a full day of history planned for those who want to see what the first years of the United States were like. The fireworks are set to go off after a concert that starts at 7:55 p.m.

OK, so it isn't technically specific to the Fourth of July because the Barons have been shooting off fireworks after every Friday home game. But this fireworks display will be set to patriotic music in honor of the holiday.